Two Pair of Sandals for a Pair of Muck Boots (or when your financial coach gives in)

In my full-time job, I work for dairy farmers, and have the privilege of visiting their farms quite often. Spring rain and snow in Colorado often necessitates the need for good shoe coverings or muck boots (muck, because you are in a lot of muck!). During one of my farm visits I encountered someone sporting cute muck boots. Immediately I knew these were a must-have item – for the benefit of my work, of course!
After a short discussion on where and how much, it was decided. I must own a pair of CUTE muck boots.

So off to the store I headed. But instead of cute muck boots, I came home with two pair of sandals. So why is a financial coach – one who teaches, encourages, and coaches others to stay within budget, buy something other than intended?

Because, I am weak, just like you….So, what did I do?
The reason for having a spending plan every month, is to prevent such shenanigans. If you have the money for a needed item (like muck boots) you can freely make the purchase. If not, you don’t. Simple. Until you find something else and give in to the temptation.

What if, instead of buying muck boots, you buy sandals? Do you return them? There were two options: adjust or return and learn.

Adjust. If you have a line item in your budget, or an envelope of cash designated for shoes or clothing, use the cash to purchase the sandals, and continue to save for the muck boots. With this decision, there may be sacrifice for other clothing items needed. The question to be asked, Is it worth the sacrifice? Cute sandals? yes. But do you NEED muck boots or sandals? Can the latter purchase wait? Truth with self and sometimes an accountability partner is needed to answer questions truthfully and to help prevent a budget crisis.
Return. Return the sandals and replace the money spent. Unplanned spending blows the budget. If you can’t adjust (see #1), then returning the item is a necessity, and you have an opportunity to practice delayed satisfaction.
Learn. Whether you choose #1 or #2, learning from the experience provides training for moving forward and becoming more disciplined in spending. Ask yourself a few questions: WHY did I purchase two pair of sandals? What happened when the muck boots were not available? and why two pair of sandals and not one? Instant or delayed gratification?

You don’t have to be a newby at following a spending plan to make impulse decisions. Every one of us tempted. everyone of us gives in sometimes. If you know your personal triggers, you can avoid them. as you have some success with following a spending plan, and meeting your goals, you will be successful, little by little. So offer yourself some grace. do what’s right and learn.

What did I do? I kept the two pair of sandals, saved some more money, and now have a cute pair of muck boots. And for the record, I have worn the sandals many times this summer – a
nd they were well worth the splurge!